DENTAL ASSISTANT

Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in providing dental treatment.

Essential Job Functions

• Keeps accurate records of patient current medical history and dental charting.
• Manages patient during dental procedures, assists dentist chair-side.
• Prepares patients for all dental procedures including taking blood pressure and rooming of patient.
• Ensures sterilization of instruments, treatment room and surrounding work areas. Adhering to infection control standards.
• Provides Instrument transfer assistance.
• Takes impressions as needed.
• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Answer patient and provider questions as they arise.
• Educates patients as appropriate.
• Communicates with patient and providers regarding oversight of treatment plan.
• Takes x-rays as needed; licensure required.
• Assist Patient Specialists in dental pre-planning and prior authorizations, and appropriate list of services.
• Process dental referrals per policy to include closing the referral loop and utilizing orders management.
• Scheduling of appointments including follow up with Dental/Dental Hygiene.
• Utilizes and maintains higher education, seminars, professional publications to remain current in profession.
• Inventory and ordering of all dental supplies assuring adequate inventory with no waste. Restocking of exam rooms weekly.
• Regularly checks the dental task box and completes tasks as appropriate, in a timely manner.
• Coordinates "Give Kids A Smile Day" to include plan, schedule, activities and prizes.
• Participates in all safety program training, drills, and education sessions AND may include assignment to an emergency response team.

Qualifications Needed For Position

The following experience and skills are considered essential:

• At least one year of prior experience as a Dental Assistant preferred.
• Experience and skill in maintaining records and recording test results.
• Ability to interact in a pleasant and professional manner with a wide variety of professional staff and patients.
• Ability to maintain quality control standards.
• Organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and attention to detail.
• Adheres to Hometown Health Center's employee immunization policy.

Education Requirements

The following education requirements are considered essential:

• High School diploma and/or Graduate of Certified Dental program.
• Have or obtain State of Maine Radiology Licensure and have or obtain Certified Dental Assistant Licensure.